This study involves patients who are already planning to have deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to treat the symptoms of severe Parkinson's Disease (PD). The study has two goals:
1. to evaluate the effectiveness of implanting DBS electrodes in the two most common locations for DBS (subthalamic nucleus (STN), and globus pallidus interna (GPi)), instead of just one electrode, on each side of the brain; and
2. to develop an adaptive DBS system using brain signals measured from these two electrodes.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Implanted RC+S arm Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
* able to give informed consent
* diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and is considered a surgical candidate for DBS
* has medication-related side effects from levodopa (i.e., dyskinesias, on-off fluctuations)
* has off-on improvement with levodopa of at least 30%
* is available for follow-up visits for length of study
Exclusion Criteria:
* is not safe surgical candidate for DBS
* has severe neurological injury or disease other than Parkinson's Disease
* has condition requiring repeated MRI scans
* has untreated, clinically significant depression
* has an electrical or electromagnetic implant
* had a prior thalamotomy or surgical ablation procedure
* has dementia interfering with ability to comply with study requirements or give informed consent
* abuses drugs or alcohol
* has a history of seizures
* has any metallic implants
* is pregnant
Speech Rater Inclusion / Exclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
* able to give informed consent
* has no hearing impairment (by self-report)
* is a native English speaker
Exclusion Criteria:
* is a speech therapist or clinician in a related field
* studies linguistics / logopedics
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score: "on" medication, "on" stimulation at 12 months after IPG implant.
Timeframe: baseline and 12 months after IPG implant
2
Change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score: "on" medication, "on" stimulation at 24 months after IPG implant.
Timeframe: baseline and 24 months after IPG implant
3
Change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score: "on" medication, "on" stimulation at 48 months after IPG implant.
Timeframe: baseline and 48 months after IPG implant
4
Change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) score: "on" medication, "on" stimulation at 72 months after IPG implant.
Timeframe: baseline and 72 months after IPG implant